Feral felines flee floral face lift

Question: Several months ago, I began visiting the cats -- all of them neutered -- who had set up their home in the planter box area just makai of the Department of Land and Natural Resources' building. I always brought along some of my own cats' dried food and sat with them for a few minutes at least once a day. It was clear that these cats and their predecessors have made many human friends over the years because there was always fresh water and usually dried food put out. It was great fun watching the cats play and even occasionally interact with me. However, workers tore out much of the cats' living area and were unable to answer my inquiries about where the cats are now. Were the cats moved to another location? Removed and destroyed? Fled for parts unknown?

Answer: The cats were not removed or destroyed, but did apparently flee for parts unknown, at least when we asked about them.

Volunteer workers from the Department of Land and Natural Resources have been working on the "Hawaiian" garden in the planter box area directly makai of the office of DLNR's director for a while (see Kokua Line, Sept. 22, 2005).

"They've cleared away the plants they don't want and will be methodically recreating the garden," explained Russ Saito, state comptroller and head of the Department of Accounting and General Services, which oversees state facilities.

Meanwhile, DAGS is installing a new irrigation system on the grounds of the Kalanimoku Building at 1151 Punchbowl St.

"In this process, we've cleared a few planter areas as well," Saito said. "Any displacement of cats was purely coincidental. We don't know where they went, but do know that they're very resilient and adaptive."

If any Kokua Line readers know what happened to the cats, please let us know.

The Sept. 22 column addressed a complaint about the "dreadful condition" around the Kalanimoku Building.

It was explained that volunteers with DLNR's Forestry and Wildlife Division would be sprucing up the native Hawaiian garden, which had become overgrown, while officials were trying to deal with the wasps that have been attacking native wiliwili trees.

Mahalo

To a cab driver named Tazu. Recently, my daughter and I came to Oahu from Hilo. We took a cab from Manele Taxi company. They did a great job. Tazu (last name unknown) made my daughter's day. She gave my daughter $20 to go and get lunch or dinner. On her. I never saw a cab driver give a passenger money. My daughter was blessed by an angel and lovely woman. We just want to say thank you and we have great love for you. Your children should be proud of you. -- Mr. Miguel and Janelle Guerrero, Hilo

We called Manele Taxi and found out the name of the generous cabbie is Tazuko Takao. An official with the company thanked you for taking the time to express your appreciation.